Curriculum

At the Sir Geoff Hurst Academy, our curriculum intent is to cultivate learners through success, growth, harmony fostering the development of respectful and resilient individuals. We are committed to ensuring that all students thrive in an inclusive environment. We have high expectations for our students. Our ambition is to empower learners to be as independent as possible, to communicate effectively and have a voice for the future. Furthermore, we aim for them to be active members of their local community while developing the skills to regulate their emotions during challenging situations.

The Curriculum Intent will be shared by:

Planning:

  • Long Term Overviews
  • Medium Term Plans - consist of suggested activities to teach the learning intentions.
  • Fortnightly planning - identifying how these objectives will be taught linking to the Mastery approach.

Here at The SGH Academy, our curriculum is designed to cater to the diverse needs of each student, with a strong emphasis on Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) development. We prioritise the cultivation of Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, and Safety in every aspect of our educational approach. Through personalised learning experiences, therapeutic interventions, and a supportive environment, we empower our students to achieve academic success while nurturing their social and emotional well-being.

We hold ambition for all our young people in our school.  Respecting that all our children can achieve whilst recognising they all have unique needs and starting points.  We aim to ensure that our pupils are prepared for their next step in life, whether that is continuing in education through the school or elsewhere, into further training or employment. To achieve this, we have developed a carefully sequenced curriculum that provides a range of appropriate academic qualifications, supports their personal development, and enables them to know more, remember more and do more.

Kindness

We believe in prioritising empathy, compassion, and consideration for others in our teaching methodologies and classroom interactions. From promoting positive peer relationships to encouraging acts of kindness and empathy, we embed values of kindness into our curriculum to cultivate a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Through activities, discussions, and real-life examples, we instil in our students the importance of kindness towards themselves and others, nurturing their social and emotional development alongside academic growth.

Respect

We believe that respect is foundational to our educational ethos. We emphasise respecting oneself, peers, teachers, and the wider community. We teach our students the value of diversity, inclusion, and understanding differences through discussions, role-playing, and collaborative projects. We foster an environment where every voice is heard, and opinions are respected, promoting mutual respect and appreciation for individual differences. By integrating respect into our curriculum, we aim to empower students to become responsible and respectful citizens, contributing positively to society.

Responsible

We believe that taking responsibility is a core principle we instil in our students from the outset. We integrate opportunities for decision-making, problem-solving, and accountability into our lessons, empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey. Through project-based learning, group activities, and leadership opportunities, we encourage students to recognise the impact of their actions and choices on themselves and others. By fostering a culture of responsibility, we equip our students with essential life skills, preparing them to navigate challenges with resilience and integrity, both in and beyond the classroom.

Safe

We believe that prioritising safety is paramount in creating a conducive learning environment. We implement comprehensive safety protocols and practices to ensure our students' physical and emotional well-being. From promoting health and hygiene routines to teaching conflict resolution strategies, we empower students with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in various contexts. Our curriculum emphasises the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where students feel secure to express themselves and seek help when needed. By fostering a safety culture, we strive to nurture a sense of confidence and resilience in our students, enabling them to thrive academically and socially.

Sir Geoff Hurst Curriculum Implementation

At the Sir Geoff Hurst Academy, we are dedicated to providing our learners with stimulating opportunities to encounter, experience, explore, and learn from a curriculum that is both ambitious and varied. Our approach incorporates enriching activities alongside vital emotional regulation support, ensuring that every student thrives. We implement the mastery approach in delivering our tailored curriculum, drawing on expert advice which could come from therapists including Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), Occupational Therapists (OT), Educational Psychologists, and Physiotherapists where appropriate. Our commitment to individualised learning is further enhanced by aligning with each student's unique Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) goals and outcomes.

Curriculum implementation will involve three dynamic golden threads for learning — Self, Academic, and Pathway—designed to empower students to become the best versions of themselves.

The Self thread focuses on personal development, emphasising emotional intelligence and resilience, ensuring that our students are well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills. The Academic thread delivers a rigorous and relevant curriculum, igniting a passion for learning and preparing students for further education and vocational opportunities. Finally, the Pathway thread will provide tailored guidance to students, helping them navigate their unique journeys and make informed choices about their futures, all while considering their Educational Health Care Plans (EHCP).

Sir Geoff Hurst Curriculum Impact 

Our students will confidently showcase their ability to retain, retrieve, and apply acquired skills and knowledge across diverse settings and situations. They will cultivate greater independence, demonstrating reduced reliance on adults and mastering self-regulation strategies that empower them to become autonomous learners.

In achieving their Long Term Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes, our students will not only excel academically through GCSEs, Functional Skills, and various vocational qualifications but will also embrace lifelong learning with enthusiasm and resilience. The journey towards independence will be as exciting as the achievements that await them!